Daily Digest: Phelps suspended, loses Kellogg deal

Michael Phelps has been suspended from competition for three months by USA Swimming, the latest fallout from a photo that showed the Olympic great inhaling from a “bong,” a water pipe typically used to smoke marijuana.

The sport's national governing body also cut off its financial support to Phelps for the same three-month period, effective yesterday.

“This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero,” the federation said in a statement. “Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust.”

Meanwhile, Kellogg Co. said it will drop its endorsement deal with Phelps in connection with the incident.

Most of his major sponsors, including Visa, Speedo, luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega and sports beverage PureSport's maker Human Performance Labs, stood by the athlete after the news, even if they didn't condone his behavior.

NBA

Lamar Odom made a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left in overtime to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 110-109 victory over Boston and snap the Celtics' 12-game winning streak.

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points with 10 rebounds and Pau Gasol had 24 and 14 for the Lakers.

Elton Brand will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Monday, reducing the 76ers' marquee free-agent to only 29 games.

MOTORSPORTS

Rain forced NHRA officials to postpone the first round of professional qualifying in the season-opening Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona.

The first round of qualifying is now set for today, followed by two more rounds tomorrow. The final eliminations are Sunday.

Jimmie Johnson's cut finger is “healing well,” and he plans to test several braces on his left hand when Daytona International Speedway opens tomorrow.

The three-time reigning NASCAR champion and El Cajon native accidentally sliced his finger with a kitchen knife as he attempted to alter his uniform during a race last month. He had surgery to repair a tendon, and the stitches have been removed.

NFL

The New England Patriots placed the franchise tag on Matt Cassel, meaning the quarterback remains a free agent, but the Patriots can match any offer made by another team or allow him to sign with that team in exchange for two first-round draft picks.

BASEBALL

Diablos Rojos of Mexico City and the Sultanes of Monterrey will square off at Dodger Stadium, marking the first time Mexican League teams have played a regular-season game in Los Angeles.